RICHARD DESANTIS

Saturday

Aug 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM

January 3, 1949 - August 14, 2013

Rock Hill, NY

Richard "RW" DeSantis, a resident of Rock Hill, passed into eternal life on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, surrounded by his loved ones. Richard fought a courageous battle with cancer.

The son of the late Al and Gloria Volpicelli DeSantis, he was born in Schenectady, NY. Richard was a graduate of both Niskayuna High School and Adirondack Community College. He served in the Air National Guard.

Richard was a terrific all-around athlete and excelled in both baseball and golf. Richard's passion for horses drove him to achieve the title of trainer and driver. He retired as a harness race judge for the New York State Racing and Waging Board. He was the founder and president of Victory Lane Liniment.

Richard married Kelli M. Licata on October 21, 2005 on Shelter Island, NY. He was a loving, devoted husband. Richard had a passion for life and was a phenomenal friend to all. He had an amazing ability to connect not only with people, but with animals as well. Richard, along with his wife, Kelli, possessed great faith in their catholic religion. These beliefs gave them strength and comfort during his sickness.

Along with his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brother, Patrick Warren. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelli; brother, Warren and his wife, Karen; sisters-in-law: Joanne Licata and Jamie Licata; brother-in-law, RJ Licata; father-in-law, Richard and wife, Nancy; mother-in-law, Marie Licata; two nephews: Darren and Louis; niece, Kristen, and great-nephew, Max, as well as the rest of his extended family and many friends. Richard will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, August 19th, at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20th at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, Liberty Street, Monticello, NY. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at both Crystal Run Heathcare and at Lenox Hill Hospital for their professional and personal attention. The efforts of the team at Lenox Hill Hospital were nothing short of amazing and will forever hold a special place in our hearts.